Friday, July 18, 2008

I was very discouraged when I recently discovered that my must-have sunscreen, Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Sunblock with Helioplex, does NOT contain ZINC!!! It still does contain other vital ingredients that do protect against UVA and UVB sun exposure. It's no secret that zinc oxide is a very important component in sunscreens. Why? The properties in zinc actually block the sun completely by reflecting and/ or scattering the sun's rays (because zinc is a metal!) Remember being a kid and having your mother put those embarrassing colored zinc balms on your face (and nose) while frolicking in the sun? That's because zinc acts as a barrier from the sun. And as a child, our faces are very tender and we needed that total protection!Zinc is a necessity for people with sunspots and melasma. The problem with pigmentation issues is that any light affects the pigment. Unlike all of the other fancy ingredients that do protect your skin, zinc completely blocks light (sun) from penetrating the skin's surface (thus keeping pigment normal(ish) and at bay).

So, with this in mind, I've found a great sunscreen that has broad spectrum UVA/ UVB protection and ZINC! It's also loaded with antioxidants and green tea - AB Sun's Advanced Anti-Photoaging Complex SPF 45 was developed by renowned dermotologist, Dr. Craig Austin. I've been using it religiously (although I do mix it with my Neutrogena because I still love the dry-touch technology) for the past couple of weeks. I do notice a difference in the sunspots. Not that they've disappeared - because, let's be honest, a sunscreen's not going to do that - but they haven't gotten darker. The sunscreen has a light redish/ brown color to it (I'm not quite sure why) but it absorbs clear. It's a tad on the heavy side for me (as I have very oily skin) so I use it sparingly... and mostly on the areas where I tend to get sunspots.

A word (or several...) from the company:"With advanced anti-photoaging complex, AB Sun has been formulated to block UV radiation and provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection using micronized zinc oxide. With SPF 45, AB Sun delivers a unique antioxidant, free radical quenching and neutralizing complex whose composition includes green tea polyphenols and caffeine, two of the most potent ingredients in fighting the signs of aging. This advanced sun protection product blocks UV radiation and neutralizes damaging UV-induced free radicals, all with a moisturizing base. It’s your best defense against the sun, with all in one protection."

A word (or several...) from the company:"The most comprehensive protection, with some of the highest protection factors ever against the full spectrum of skin-harming light: indoor and outdoor UVA, UVB, Infrared and Visible Light. Truly impressive power in a weightless, anti-oxidant créme that works for your skin's perfection. Banishes wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of photo-ageing. When used everyday, indoors and out, Armada also helps erase melasma. Protection so strong, skin lightens naturally. Arms your skin with renewed elasticity and vibrancy. "